ElevenLabs Signs First Major-Label Deal with Universal Music for Fan Remix Platform
Remixes, mashups, and personalized vocal experiences, from artists who opt in.
September 10, 2026 – 4:39 pm
Credit: ElevenLabs / Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group and ElevenLabs have announced a multi-year licensing agreement to build a music creation platform that allows fans to produce remixes, mashups, new interpretations, and personalized vocal experiences using tracks from participating artists. This is ElevenLabs’ inaugural deal with a major label, encompassing product development and licensing, with plans for further artist and fan-centric products in the coming years.
The platform, currently in development by ElevenLabs, will operate separately from its existing Music API and ElevenMusic products. Unlike Universal’s catalog, it will include only artists and songwriters who choose to opt in, with no launch date or financial terms disclosed.
Key Takeaways:
- The deal is a significant milestone for ElevenLabs, founded by two Poles, with the Polish state taking an $11 million stake this year.
- It marks a shift in the music industry as AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into music creation and distribution.
- Other major labels have also been making moves in AI, with deals involving Spotify, Stability, and lawsuits against Udio.
- Despite legal challenges, the industry is recognizing the potential of AI while navigating copyright issues.
"AI opens up incredible possibilities for interacting with our favorite music and artists," shared ElevenLabs cofounder and CEO Mati Staniszewski. "By combining UMG’s global community and rights management expertise with our AI models and products, we’ll enable artists and songwriters to create powerful new experiences for their fans and ensure they are fairly compensated."
This deal follows a pattern established over the past 18 months, with Suno launching licensed AI-trained models from Warner and BMG, Universal’s AI covers and remixes deal with Spotify, and major labels investing in AI startups. The industry is balancing licensing and litigation, with lawsuits setting prices and deals collecting revenue.
ElevenLabs already offers a music API and an app for generating original songs without a major label license. Adding this licensed product gives them a competitive edge and transforms Universal into a distribution partner rather than a plaintiff.
While the deal may seem contradictory given Universal’s previous efforts to control AI-generated content, it aligns with the industry’s evolving approach to embrace AI while managing copyright concerns.